CSI execs will prepare for Helgenberger's departure by writing in the arrival of a new character played by Ted Danson in a manner that causes Helgenberger's Catherine Willows role to be "moved around" in the ranks.

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Helgenberger explained: "There is a little resentment, but Ted's character so far is endearing and has a unique way of looking at a crime scene. It's a nice fresh perspective and it kind of gets under everyone's skin a little bit, in a good way.

"I think Catherine is very intrigued by him. I think ultimately Catherine is a team player and they took some liberties last season the way the crime came about or was solved and she was willing to admit it. And this is the fallout."

Helgenberger also insisted that the decision to leave the show was her own, adding that while she will miss the "family" of her crew, she is looking forward to pursuing other projects.

"I've been itching to get back on the stage, but it's been hard. The commitment on this show and then raising a son, who's now 20, a production assistant on CSI! He was nine when I started the show," she said.

"That's one of the cute things about being on this show as long as you've been on. A lot of crew members' children who were all little kids at the time are now working on staff. That's what makes it even more of a family and even harder to leave."